Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28R-200 near Vancouver, WA — 2025-04-04

Final reportWPR25LA178
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Date
2025-04-04
Location
Vancouver, WA, USA
Airport
VUO
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28R-200
Registration
N9404N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A failure of the brake system during landing due to a hydraulic fluid leak, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during a test flight following an annual inspection, he landed normally, but the brakes faded almost immediately after he applied them. The pilot exited the runway, and the airplane collided with a fence, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. Postaccident examination of the brake system revealed a small leak at the brake line fitting at the left caliper and the brake fluid reservoir was 2/3 empty.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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